Walking in Truth
3 John 1:1-14
For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth. [3 John 1:3-4]
Notice it doesn’t say “talk in truth.” Although speaking truth is important, the emphasis is walking; “walk in truth” is twice John’s exhortation. A lifestyle of truth [walking] is the powerful witness of a Christian. “Your actions speak so loud, I can’t hear a word you say” is the layman’s way of saying it.
If I were to invite a non-Christian friend to church what would he see? Let’s take it a step further, if a non-Christian were to live in your home for a few months what would he see?
The obvious truth is that people are watching and evaluating our lives as Christians, to see if our faith works. It only makes sense! Why would you take an Advil if it doesn’t work? Why would your non-Christian friend want to be a Christian if he doesn’t see Christ working in your life?
The obvious truth is that people are watching and evaluating our lives as Christians, to see if our faith works. It only mSo here’s the real life application. If you continue drinking, drug using, fornicating, watching and listening to ungodly things, lying, cheating, stealing, gossiping, bad mouthing, slandering, having fits of rage and anger, and the like; how can you convince someone to become a believer? Because it’s true, actions speak louder than words. If you profess Christ, yet continue a lifestyle of sin, without change, you are communicating that the Christian faith does not work.akes sense! Why would you take an Advil if it doesn’t work? Why would your non-Christian friend want to be a Christian if he doesn’t see Christ working in your life?
The obvious truth is that people are watching and evaluating our lives as Christians, to see if our faith works. It only mSo here’s the real life applicationBut I’ve got news for you, the Christian faith does work! The not working is “me, myself, and I.” Jesus has changed countless lives, and He will continue to do so. But the key is; dying to self! “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matt 16:24, emphasis added] The fuel and centerpiece of sin is me, myself, and I, whether through selfishness or self-indulgence.. If you continue drinking, drug using, fornicating, watching and listening to ungodly things, lying, cheating, stealing, gossiping, bad mouthing, slandering, having fits of rage and anger, and the like; how can you convince someone to become a believer? Because it’s true, actions speak louder than words. If you profess Christ, yet continue a lifestyle of sin, without change, you are communicating that the Christian faith does not work.akes sense! Why would you take an Advil if it doesn’t work? Why would your non-Christian friend want to be a Christian if he doesn’t see Christ working in your life?
And you know what the key to dying to self is? Living for Christ! I know that sounds simplistic but it is true.
